6 Rings One-Off Wednesday: What makes a good owner?
The Patriots signing of tight end Austin Hooper during the first week of NFL free agency was one many could have predicted, given his familiarity with offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt.
The two overlapped for two seasons in Cleveland from 2020-2021 where, over 29 games under Van Pelt's tutelage, Hooper tallied 84 receptions for 780 yards and seven touchdowns.
"He's a really smart guy," Hooper said of New England's new play caller when speaking on Thursday. "Is a good energy in the building, and that's a huge part of it. Most people just think of the three hours you see on Sunday but there's, as you guys know, there's many more hours throughout the week where you're spending a lot of time together. It makes work so much better when you enjoy the people you work with."
He continued: "His style, his approach, his offense, his understanding of his personnel, who he is as a man and as a coach, it's going to make it really fun to be in the building every day."
Hooper was drafted by the Falcons in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft and has played for Atlanta, Cleveland, Tennessee, and Las Vegas throughout his eight year career. He says the constant changeover has helped him become a better player:
"I've been in a bunch of different offenses. Whether it be gap scheme, outside zone, play action passing game attacks, short and intermediate passing attacks. It's cool when you get to be a part of... six different offenses. You learn to kind of be a jack of all trades at everything."
A 6-foot-4 target for whomever the Patriots' next quarterback will be, Hooper said he's not sure what the team's plan is with the No. 3 overall pick:
"I don't know what the plan is for Draft Day. They haven't tipped their cards to me."
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
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